"
"That's right. This time, I'm here to get the adoption papers done and signed. Once that's settled, I'll be taking Clobber with me immediately. We won't waste another moment in this place," Adam said firmly, his tone leaving no room for negotiation.
As if worried Klarll might try to backtrack, Adam added, "Klarll, don't forget—you gave your word to me and the Goldrose family."
Klarll clenched his fists tightly. Yes, he had always known this day would come. The moment Clobber advanced to a full knight, he'd be reclaimed by his mother's family. But he hadn't expected it to happen so soon, or at such a critical time.
The entire continent buzzed with a mix of tension and excitement as the Western Crusade decree had just been issued. Noble houses were scrambling to consolidate their forces in preparation to conquer uncharted lands and expand their domains.
Compared to the ambitious plans of others, Klarll's Deepwater Territory felt pitifully inadequate. Including Clobber and his loyal follower Foster, they had only three full knights in total. If Clobber were to leave now, the territory would be reduced to just one knight—Klarll himself.
Such weakness in the coming war would undoubtedly provoke his liege, Lord Stephen Moonmoss, to strip him of his title and grant it to a stronger vassal family.
"No… I can't allow this to happen," Klarll thought, his resolve hardening. He took a deep breath, trying to mask his desperation with a conciliatory tone.
"Adam, I understand the importance of Clobber joining the Goldrose family. It's a major event. But considering the national mobilization for war, now might not be the best time for an adoption ceremony. How about we wait until after the war is over?"
Klarll's voice was calm, almost pleading, as he attempted to delay the inevitable.
Adam, however, was not so easily swayed. He adjusted his posture, leaning forward slightly as he fixed Klarll with a cold, piercing gaze.
"I'm not here to discuss this with you, Klarll. I'm informing you," Adam said with finality. "The adoption is already a done deal. You and I both agreed to this years ago, and Clobber has signed the contract as well. If you go back on your word, you'll face the Dragon's Wrath penalty."
He leaned back, his expression sharp and unyielding. "Whether you agree or not, Clobber is now a direct heir of the Goldrose family. That's the reality. The only decision left to you is whether you'll handle this separation with dignity or not. Do you understand?"
"Goldrose—our word is our bond."
Klarll's heart sank. He knew there was no room to maneuver, but he couldn't give up just yet. Desperation clawed at him as he turned his gaze to Clobber, the son he had neglected for so long.
"Clobber," Klarll began, his tone softer now. "I know you haven't had an easy life here, and I take responsibility for that. But if you're willing to forgive me, you'll be the sole heir to Deepwater Territory. I'll even grant you the family's spirit elf contract. Everything I have will be yours, as long as you choose to stay."
For the first time in years, Klarll's mind worked with a clarity borne of necessity. He knew his only chance was to lay all his cards on the table and hope Clobber would reconsider.
Klarll's eyes filled with a mix of regret and hope as he waited for a response. He knew it was likely too late, but trying and failing felt better than giving up entirely.
Adam, watching the scene unfold, chuckled derisively. Did Klarll think his nephew was some naive child starved for affection? The Goldrose family could offer Clobber everything Klarll was promising—and more.
Adam leaned back and toyed idly with his fingers, not bothering to interrupt.
Clobber met his father's hopeful gaze with a composed smile. His noble upbringing shone through as he bowed slightly, his expression courteous yet detached.
"I'm sorry, Baron Klarll," Clobber said, his tone polite but firm. "I've made my decision to return to my mother's family. That choice is final and will not change."
A heavy silence filled the room.
"Very well," Klarll said at last, his voice tinged with defeat. After what felt like an eternity, he sighed and nodded. "I understand."
He had no other choice. The balance of power in the room was entirely against him, and he knew better than to provoke Adam or Clobber any further.
The Goldrose family had claimed its heir. All Klarll could do now was try to salvage what little dignity he had left.
Pulling out a sheet of parchment and lifting his quill, Baron Klarll began drafting the Succession Adoption Agreement.
The Succession Adoption Agreement was a noble custom unique to this world, commonly employed during family mergers or when branch families were absorbed into main bloodlines.
Lilith Goldrose, as the daughter of Count Daniel, had every right to claim her child as a direct member of the Goldrose lineage.
Soon, everyone present held Klarll's handwritten agreement. The document explicitly stated that Clobber would sever all ties with the Deepwater Territory's Oat family and henceforth live only as Clobber Goldrose. It further specified that Clobber would no longer enjoy any rights or benefits as a member of the Oat family—a clause Clobber himself didn't seem to mind.
With signatures affixed, Clobber officially relinquished his surname of Oat in exchange for a new identity.
From this moment forward, his full name was Clobber Goldrose, the legitimate son of Lilith Goldrose and the direct grandson—not grandson-in-law—of the current Count Daniel.
Meanwhile, his other siblings remained legally tied to Klarll Oat and his household, making them mere grandchildren-in-law in the eyes of noble law.
"Now that the adoption is finalized," Adam said, standing abruptly, "we're heading back to the family estate immediately. It's time you meet your grandfather. He's likely already heard of your advancement to a full knight."
Without sparing Baron Klarll another glance, Adam strode toward the door.
Pausing mid-step, Adam turned back. His tone, sharp as a blade, cut through the room.
"By the way, Klarll, since Clobber has returned to the family, our trade caravans will no longer pass through Deepwater Territory."
He added with a chilling smirk, "Also, during my time at the Moonmoss family's training grounds, I overheard some intriguing details about my sister, Lilith Goldrose, and the circumstances of her death. Once I've reported to the family and completed the investigation, I'll be back to pay you another visit."
Adam's gaze darkened. "Let's hope next time, I'm not bringing an army with me."
"Take care, Baron of Deepwater," Adam said, offering a mocking farewell before stepping over the wrecked doorway and leaving the castle with Clobber and the others in tow.
Rose Avenue
The group journeyed down a broad, impeccably maintained road. Rose Avenue was so smooth that even the heaviest wagons rolled across it without a single jolt.
This marvel of engineering was a testament to the Goldrose family's meticulous planning and substantial investment.
At the heart of Rose Avenue lay the family's seat of power—Crownflower City.
To the north, the avenue stretched toward the duchy's capital, Saint Goldburg. To the south lay the neighboring Moonmoss County, while the west bordered the expansive Moy Forest.
Count Daniel placed immense value on infrastructure, ensuring that every road within the Goldrose territory was kept in pristine condition. This dedication to transportation and the region's abundant resources fueled a thriving trade network, making the Goldrose family extraordinarily wealthy.
Their coffers overflowed with gold, and their armories brimmed with weapons sufficient to equip a thousand-strong army at a moment's notice.
Direct descendants of the Goldrose family even received monthly allowances of alchemical potions—luxuries so valuable they could determine the rise or fall of smaller noble houses.
For Clobber, this was his first venture beyond the Moonmoss family's lands. Though his previous life's world was far more advanced, this realm's unique blend of mysticism, with its aura warriors, elves, and dragons, held its own allure.
The journey passed quickly, and before long, they arrived at Crownflower City's gates.
Crownflower City stood in stark contrast to Moonlight City, which was characterized by pristine white marble architecture.
Here, the streets bustled with activity. Merchants hawked their wares loudly while well-dressed individuals browsed stalls for necessities. The city seemed to pulse with a lively, unceasing energy.
The layout of Crownflower City was divided into three sections: the Outer City, Inner City, and the Castle.
The Outer City consisted of shops and residential homes for commoners. It served as the hub for trade and labor, handling the movement of goods and accommodating the workforce.
The Inner City housed individuals of status, such as skilled artisans or minor nobles who provided essential services to the Goldrose family. Blacksmiths, armorers, and other craftsmen critical to the count's domain all resided here.
The Castle was reserved for direct members of the Goldrose family, their personal servants, and the knights who served as close retainers, such as Foster.
According to Adam, fewer than twenty direct family members lived in the castle. Most of its current occupants were branch family members undergoing knightly training.
The distinction between the main and branch families depended on proximity to the ruling count. For example, Count Daniel's children and grandchildren were considered the main family. However, when the title passed to Clobber's uncle, Clobber and even Adam would shift to branch status.
Ultimately, the difference was more symbolic than practical. For the current head of the family, being part of the main lineage simply reflected a stronger familial bond.
If Lilith hadn't been Count Daniel's most beloved daughter, Clobber might never have received such robust family support—let alone a formal adoption.
But such hypotheticals were irrelevant now.
Dismounting from his horse, Clobber handed the reins to a servant who hurried to assist him.
The servant, though unfamiliar with Clobber, recognized the striking golden hair that marked him as a Goldrose. Knowing Adam personally escorted the newcomer only reinforced the servant's conviction that this young man was a new master of the castle.
Determined to leave a good impression, the servant bent his back a little deeper, hoping to secure a favorable position as a close attendant to the young noble.
Clobber, oblivious to the servant's ambitions, followed Adam toward Count Daniel's study.
This meeting would shape the trajectory of his future.
Though Clobber felt confident in his path, he couldn't stop himself from taking a deep breath to steady his nerves.